asparagus

as·par·a·gus

noun \ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs, -ˈspa-rə-\

plural as·par·a·gus

Definition of ASPARAGUS

: any of a genus (Asparagus) of Old World perennial plants of the lily family having much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow usually filiform branchlets that function as leaves; especially : one (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its edible young shoots

Illustration of ASPARAGUS

Origin of ASPARAGUS

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell

First Known Use: 1545